Game Lodge was the first of its kind in the Thornybush Nature Reserve, opening its doors back in 1961. As the original establishment, it put Thornybush on the map and established our reputation for world-class game-viewing.
Now, with a note of sophistication in the design and layout, our thatched main area overlooks a waterhole and riverbed frequently visited by elephants, buffalo and other large game. The classic lower deck flows between the open dining area and a beautiful bar.
Sunbirds, attracted to the many aloes which surround the main deck, are just some of the many small delights you can expect on your stay at Thornybush Game Lodge.
The warm-hearted staff, riverbed setting and legacy of excellence are standout features. Meals, when taken at the lodge, are Ottolenghi-style buffets prepared by Solly, the legendary master bush chef! Bush dinners are a firm favorite with our guests, where you get to enjoy a hearty meal, surrounded by lanterns, candles and the sound of the African wilderness.
Private and stylishly decorated, the Luxury Suites are a joy to spend a night in and difficult to leave. The large windows above the bath and giant sliding doors to the deck offer incredible views of the riverbed and any animals that may be wallowing there. Each of the 18 Luxury Suites have an en-suite bathroom, indoor and outdoor shower and have been carefully designed and spaced to provide privacy. The elegant finishes and extremely comfortable beds complete the impressive rooms.
Each of the two Family Suites are larger than the Luxury Suites, with a lounge area and day beds to accommodate children. As with the Luxury Suites, they have an elegant design that offers the perfect oasis of calm and rest after a game drive. These suites have a large private deck with its own plunge pool.
A team of dedicated chefs ensure that every meal at Thornybush becomes a special occasion. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea-time treats, prepared by the team of chefs, are of unparalleled quality and incorporate flavours from around the globe complemented with an African flair.
All meals
All local drinks (soft drinks, house wine, selection of local beers, local spirits)
Morning / afternoon game drives
Bush walks
Sundowner drinks
Wi-Fi
Boma
Bar
Deck
Dining Room
Lounge
Library
Outside Lounge
Pool
Siana Travel has established partnerships with every hotel in our exclusive Portfolio, ensuring a truly luxurious experience for our esteemed guests. By booking your stay with Siana, you will enjoy a range of exclusive member benefits and our unbeatable price guarantee. Contact one of our travel tailors to book your stay.
Thornybush is a 14,000-hectare private nature reserve that shares a fenceless border with the famous Kruger National Park in South Africa. Big 5 encounters are the standout experiences for the guests, with visitors particularly impressed with the lion and leopard sightings. It’s the vast diversity of wildlife, however, that has seen Thornybush emerge as a leading safari destination. With passionate and expert guide-and-tracker teams leading the way, guests leave with a genuine understanding of the entire ecosystem and the enthralling cast of animals.
27 km | 40 min drive to Thornybush Game Lodge